the use of general purpose software as a teaching tool in electronic engineering presenter:martin r....
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The Use of General Purpose Software as a Teaching Tool in Electronic Engineering
Presenter: Martin R. Varley
University of Central Lancashire, UK
Co-Authors: Michael S. Peak, J. David Heys
University of Central Lancashire, UK
Philip D. Picton
The University of Northampton, UK
Overview of Presentation
• Spreadsheet simulation of various concepts in Electronic Engineering
• Examples and Demonstrations
– Analogue Filter Circuits
– Digital Systems
– Artificial Neural Networks
– s-domain analysis
• Concluding Remarks
Spreadsheet Simulations: why?
• A range of high-level tools is available for areas within Electronic Engineering
– e.g. Proteus, PSPICE, MATLAB, CODAS etc.
– Students can quickly acquire simulation results for various application areas, and gain some insights into application areas
– However in-depth understanding of underlying concepts and theory is not always adequately developed using such tools alone
Spreadsheet Simulations: how?
• The authors have developed the use of simulations using Microsoft Excel:
– Simulations developed directly from theoretical models and equations
– Spreadsheets created in the classes and explained step-by-step to the students
– Animations enabled using on-screen buttons and macros
– Students encouraged to develop their own further spreadsheet simulations
Spreadsheet Simulations: how?
Examples and Demonstrations: 1
• Analogue Filter Circuits
– Excel simulations support a Level 1 (first year undergraduate) module
– Simulation of series RC circuit
– Frequency response analysis
• Sweep over selected range
• Specific frequency value (frequency sample)
– Includes colour-coded phasor diagram
Examples and Demonstrations: 1• Analogue Filter Circuits
Examples and Demonstrations: 2
• Digital Systems
– Excel simulations support a Level 1 (first year undergraduate) module
– Sequential logic system design
– Example shown is for a synchronous BCD up/down counter with:
• A single external input (0=DOWN, 1=UP)
• Four D-type flip-flops
• Output decode logic for seven-segment display
Examples and Demonstrations: 2• Digital Systems
Examples and Demonstrations: 3
• Artificial Neural Networks
– Level 2 (second year undergrad) module
– Module includes single neuron, single layer and multi-layer neural networks
– Example shows delta rule training algorithm simulation:
• Three-input binary neuron
• User-selected initial conditions and learning rate
• Includes 3-D input space diagram and decision plane showing stages of training
Examples and Demonstrations: 3
• Artificial Neural Networks
Examples and Demonstrations: 4
• s-domain system analysis
– Simulations support a level 2 (second year undergrad) module in signal analysis
– System analysis using s-domain
• User-specified poles and zeros (upto 4 of each)
• Frequency sweep or single frequency
• Includes s-plane diagram showing poles, zeros, and current frequency value
• Magnitude and phase plots
Examples and Demonstrations: 4
• s-domain system analysis
Concluding Remarks
• Authors have found that the use of spreadsheets to illustrate and simulate electronic engineering applications promotes deeper understanding and appreciation of aspects of the theory
• Students can see the simulations being developed from theoretical concepts, and are encouraged to develop these ideas further and create their own spreadsheet simulations
Concluding Remarks
• Use of widely available software (Microsoft Excel) extends the availability of such simulations to a wider audience
• The lectures and tutorials still include the high-level tools (e.g. Proteus, MATLAB etc.), which are used to complement this spreadsheet-based approach
Concluding Remarks
• Other areas developed, or under development, as spreadsheet-based simulations include:
– Fourier series analysis and synthesis
– Digital filter design and simulation
– Single-layer neural networks (e.g. Hopfield)
– Multi-layer neural networks and the error backpropagation training algorithm
– Chirp z-transform analysis
The Use of General Purpose Software as a Teaching Tool in Electronic Engineering
Presenter: Martin R. Varley
University of Central Lancashire, UK
Thank you for your attention….
ANY QUESTIONS?